1
as in backdrop
the physical conditions or features that form the setting against which something is viewed they got married on a mountain top with the sunset as background

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2
as in setting
the place and time in which the action for a portion of a dramatic work (as a movie) is set the background of that movie is the World War II era

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How is the word background distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of background are environment, milieu, mise-en-scène, and setting. While all these words mean "the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs," background often refers to the circumstances or events that precede a phenomenon or development.

the shocking decision was part of the background of the riots

Where would environment be a reasonable alternative to background?

While the synonyms environment and background are close in meaning, environment applies to all the external factors that have a formative influence on one's physical, mental, or moral development.

the kind of environment that produces juvenile delinquents

When is it sensible to use milieu instead of background?

The synonyms milieu and background are sometimes interchangeable, but milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons.

an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation

In what contexts can mise-en-scène take the place of background?

Although the words mise-en-scène and background have much in common, mise-en-scène strongly suggests the use of properties to achieve a particular atmosphere or theatrical effect.

a gothic thriller with a carefully crafted mise-en-scène

When could setting be used to replace background?

The meanings of setting and background largely overlap; however, setting suggests looking at real-life situations in literary or dramatic terms.

a militant reformer who was born into an unlikely social setting

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of background Creole indicating their cultural background that they are rooted in this place in Louisiana, which, of course, has its origins of the French and Spanish colony with a significant West African population. Elizabeth Thomas, ABC News, 9 May 2025 And nearly 20 percent of America's total population, too, with followers of all races, ethnic backgrounds and ages. Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025 With her entrepreneurial background in investment banking and a keen eye on the risks and rewards of the ear piercing market, Schneider spoke to her mom friends. Taylor Grothe, Parents, 9 May 2025 Sitcoms with background laughter have seemed almost dead, definitely and firmly dying, for a very long time. James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for background
Recent Examples of Synonyms for background
Noun
  • But the pause comes amid a backdrop of daily skirmishes, largely by drone warfare.
    Stephen J. Beard, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • The sequel takes audiences from the idyllic suburbs of Connecticut to the glamorous backdrop of the Italian Riviera, where an extravagant wedding unravels into a web of mystery, deception, and deadly secrets.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • The eerie film, which The Space Program team liken to the work of Todd Field, but required a global search to find the right setting and the necessary incentives.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 17 May 2025
  • The Museum of Islamic Art will present an intimate setting for short film screenings.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • The child’s mother arrived at the scene shortly thereafter and told authorities that Marcatoma-Marcatoma had allegedly taken the infant from their crib and left the residence, state police said.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2025
  • Kunal Nayyar's habit of breaking during comedic scenes on The Big Bang Theory led to big behind-the-scenes frustrations.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Background.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/background. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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